Label Apologizes For ‘Hurtful’ Lil Wayne Lyric

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VIBE | February 14, 2013 - 5:20 pm

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Lil Wayne has earned praise for his wordplay in the past, but his simile in a recent song went too far for some. Epic Records is pulling Atlanta rapper Future’s “Karate Chop (Remix),” following backlash over Wayne’s reference to Emmett Till.

The lyric in question—“Beat that pu**y up like Emmett Till”—cites the Chicago teenager who was severely beaten and shot in the head in 1955 Mississippi. The culprits were later acquitted, and the incident sparked a huge moment in the civil rights movement.

Offended by the reference, Till’s family got Rev. Jesse Jackson involved. Out of respect, the song will now be re-released without the Till line.

Epic issued the following apologetic statement in response:

“We regret the unauthorized remix version of Future’s ‘Karate Chop,’ which was leaked online and contained hurtful lyrics. Out of respect for the legacy of Emmett Till and his family and the support of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. … we are going through great efforts to take down the unauthorized version.”